Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is the better pick: it ranks #32 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #152 (rated 1.6/5) for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR. If you want one new, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 and is rated 4.0/5 at $499.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is the more accurate choice. A budget two-way bookshelf speaker (5” polypropylene woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter) that measures well for its price: harmonic distortion at 86dB stays under 1% THD down to about 60Hz, genuinely good for a 5” mid-woofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.01 against 3.22 for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR. Watch for: A dip of about 3dB in the 1-3kHz crossover region (on-axis, in the predicted in-room response, and even off-axis) gives the speaker a soft, “laid-back” character that noticeably saps attack and transient bite from drums, guitar and other percussive material: possibly an intentional BBC-style dip, but one the reviewer would still prefer tuned flat.
The case for the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. The catch: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier.
Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, which replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 | Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 per pair Discontinued | $749 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #32 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #152 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 7”W x 10.9”D (310 x 178 x 277 mm) | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5” advanced polypropylene cone woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.01 | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 | 5.53 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1: $599 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, ranked higher, estimated 4/5.
Older model: the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 (rated 2.8/5).
Same family: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.1/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.9/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.1/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C (smaller center, estimated 3.5/5) and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci (larger center, estimated 3.6/5).
Pros: A budget two-way bookshelf speaker (5” polypropylene woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter) that measures well for its price: harmonic distortion at 86dB stays under 1% THD down to about 60Hz, genuinely good for a 5” mid-woofer. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±60° up to roughly 5kHz before the tweeter starts to beam. Tonally smooth and easy to listen to at moderate volumes, with a pleasant, non-fatiguing character the reviewer said he’d happily recommend to someone who wants noticeably better fit, finish and looks than typical speakers in the $300-400 range. A high-pass crossover around 80Hz meaningfully cleans up midrange multitone distortion, so pairing it with a subwoofer helps more than usual for a speaker this size. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: A dip of about 3dB in the 1-3kHz crossover region (on-axis, in the predicted in-room response, and even off-axis) gives the speaker a soft, “laid-back” character that noticeably saps attack and transient bite from drums, guitar and other percussive material: possibly an intentional BBC-style dip, but one the reviewer would still prefer tuned flat. Vertical directivity is unusually tight for this class of speaker, holding together only within about ±5° of the tweeter axis before a real hole opens up in the response, so seating height matters a lot more than on most bookshelf designs. Diffraction artifacts around 3kHz and 5kHz show up as differences between the listening-window and on-axis curves. Distortion climbs well past acceptable levels at higher output: harmonic distortion exceeds 3% around 150Hz at 96dB (versus under 1% at 86dB), multitone distortion tops 10% at 96dB/1m, and real compression sets in between 96-102dB (about 1.5dB of lost dynamic range around 300Hz at 102dB/1m, roughly equivalent to 92dB for a pair at 4m in a room). A genuine limitation on how loud or how far away this speaker can be pushed. Measured average sensitivity (84dB) runs a few dB below the 87dB spec. Only a 5” woofer, so a subwoofer is required for real bass. Discontinued.
Full Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 7”W x 10.9”D (310 x 178 x 277 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” advanced polypropylene cone woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Wharfedale 12.1 Budget Bookshelf Speaker with “Laid Back” sound but output limited. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 More from Audio Science Review →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Carmody S2000
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Wharfedale Super Denton
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Klipsch RP-500M II
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs KEF Q150
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Revel M105
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 vs Moondrop M4P MTM
- See all 37 comparisons
Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the Pioneer Elite SP-EC73 (center, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.
Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Ascend Sierra Luna
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Klipsch R-41M
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Polk T15
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs JBL Stage A130
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Q Acoustics 5020
- See all 29 comparisons